Queries from Young Friends
at FGC Gathering 1997

From participants in FGC Workshop: "Diverse Young Friends?"
As they appeared in the Gathering newsletter Daily Bulletin,
July 4, 1997 © Friends General Conference Young Friends, 1997

As we have discussed this in the Gathering setting, diversity includes sexual orientation, race, class, economic circumstance, gender, beliefs, all aspects of age, culture, background, faith, education, physical and mental condition, and political views. Diversity cannot be expressed as one definition-there are many more. The gifts of diversity are many, but there is one Spirit.

• Do you embrace diversity?

• To what extent have you confronted your prejudices and privileges?

• Do you consider whiteness part of your cultural identity?

• Does equality mean a homogenous society? Why or why not?

• Is there a need to become more diverse within the Religious Society of Friends? Why or why not?

• What are you willing to do to aid diversity within the Religious Society of Friends?

• Is diversity something that can be achieved through direct action, or is it something that just happens?

• Are you willing to share or give up power?

• As an individual do you seek power?

• Is empowerment part of diversity?

• In what ways do you empower Young Friends in your Meeting?

• Is the Religious Society of Friends diverse? Do Friends hold true to our testimony of equality through our diversity?

• Is diversity something that can be achieved?

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